Risperidone belongs to the group of medications known as antipsychotic agents. These medications are used to treat mental and emotional disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia can cause symptoms such as hallucinations (e.g., hearing, seeing, or sensing things that are not there), delusions, unusual suspiciousness, and emotional withdrawal. People with this condition may also feel depressed, anxious, or tense. Bipolar disorder was previously referred to as manic depressive illness and causes alternating episodes of mania and depression.

Risperidone is also used for the short-term treatment of behavioural problems (such as verbal or physical aggression, suspiciousness, and agitation) in people with severe dementia.

Medications like risperidone are thought to work by correcting the function of nerve pathways in certain areas of the brain.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do.It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The dose of risperidone varies according to needs and the condition being treated.

For adults with schizophrenia,the dose is usually started at 1 mg to 2 mg per day (given either once or twice per day) and increased slowly over several days to 4 mg to 6 mg per day. Lower doses are often used for people with low blood pressure, kidney problems, or liver disease. The safety of risperidone has not been established beyond a maximum dose of 16 mg per day (8 mg given twice daily).

For seniors with schizophrenia,the dose is usually 0.25 mg given twice daily to a maximum daily dose of 3 mg.

For behavioural problems in people with severe dementia, the usual starting dose is 0.25 mg twice a day. This dose is slowly increased every 2 to 4 days to a usual dose of 1 mg per day (0.5 mg twice a day). This dose may be increased to a maximum of 2 mg per day (1 mg twice a day).

For adults with mania associated with bipolar disorder,risperidone should be taken once daily, starting with 2 mg or 3 mg daily. This dose may be increased to a maximum of 6 mg daily.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications.If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Risperidone can be taken with or without meals. The oral solution should not be taken with cola or tea. Risperdal M-Tabs® should be used whole and not split into halves.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store risperidone at room temperature in a dry place (not the bathroom), protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.